Letter StrokesIntroductionLettering is not like handwriting. With practice, you can learn to letter welland legibly even if your handwriting is not particularly good.The order inwhich you draw the strokes that form letters are as important as theindividual letters themselves. How you execute the strokes and in what orderwill affect the ease and rapidity of your lettering.StrokesStrokes are the vertical, horizontal, and curvilinear movements made by yourhand as you draw letters. Strokes are made with a coordinated arm, wrist,and finger action. Vertical and slanted strokes are made by drawing thestroke toward you. Horizontal strokes are made from left to right. Curvedstrokes are made by rolling the drawing implement with the fingers in thedirection of the stroke. All letters follow the same basic sequence ofexecution. Some letters require a combination of all strokes.StepAction1Draw the vertical strokes.2Turn the drawing tool sideways and draw the horizontal strokes.3Make the left half of any curved letter first. Hold the drawing toolbetween the thumb and forefinger and twirl the drawing tool in thedirection of the stroke as indicated in figure 5-28.4Connect any curves as required to finish the letter.Figure 5-28 illustrates the sequence for making basic lettering strokes.Figure 5-28.The sequence for makingbasic lettering strokes.Continued on next page5-27